phenomenal
™ ™
W WOMAN M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017
DESTINATION CLEVELAND Meet the Women Helping to Shape Cleveland's Image
phenomenal
Beletu (Bele') Wondwossen
Founder / Publisher
™
W WOMAN M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
Shelley M. Shockley
Managing Editor
E
Writers Shelley M. Shockley Ruby Lee Gamble A. Michele Garrett Kim Brown
www.phenomenalwoman.me
Creative Bele’ Wondwossen
Cover Story: Shelley M. Shockley Photo: Eric Benson
Contributing Writers Marsha Walker Eastwood Rhonda Crowder Michelle Phillips Fay Stephanie Phelps Kimberly Smith-Woodford
Guest Contributors Robyn C. Hill
Advertising Sales ads@phenomenalwoman.me 216.702.0845
Inspiring Women To Reach Their Highest Potential! phenomenal
phenomenal
™
W WOMAN
™
W WOMAN M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
M
E
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
Phenomenal Woman Magazine A subsidiary of Atlantic Creative Productions 5247 Wilson Mills Road #141 Cleveland, OH 44143
© 2017 Phenomenal Woman Magazine. All rights reserved
PEGGY ZONE FISHER AND THE DIVERSITY CENTER OF NORTHEAST OHIO
ISSN 2330-2534 (Print) ISSN 2330-2550 (Online)
PUZZLE PIECE BY PUZZLE PIECE A family’s journey with
AUTISM
FASHION BEYOND BORDERS
KELLIE ROTUNNO
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS
Chief Operating Officer, NEORSD Committed to keeping our Great Lake great
GOING FURTHER WITH DIVERSITY
DR. ALFREDA BROWN
$ 3.75 USD
JAN-FEB 2016
Working to Reignite BBBS
LaTOYA SMITH
DIANE LINSTON
An Out-of-the-Box Recruiter
Designer Who Never Gives Up
$ 3.00 USD
JULY-AUGUST 2013
YOLANDA ARMSTRONG
Making COLLABORATION, INCLUSION AND
ENGAGEMENT KEY TO DIVERSITY AT KENT STATE
TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL 216.702.0845 2 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form of this publication without prior permission from the publisher. Produced and printed in OHIO, USA.
phenomenal
™
W WOMAN M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 3
From the Editor: Shelley M. Shockley Take a vacation in your home town The cover story for this issue is one of my favorite things – Cleveland, Ohio! Has this always been the case, of course not? I was once a wild-eyed teenager like all of you and I couldn't wait to get away from here. When I went away to college, I longed for the days that I would pack up everything and move to some great city like Washington, D.C. or Chicago but reality set in when I was offered a job in a small town in Florida. At first glimpse, I was overjoyed and proud, but the more I ponder that idea I realized that all that I loved would be hundreds of miles away and I wasn't ready to cut proverbial apron strings. As a young adult, I settled into a comfortable routine and although I didn't love being in Cleveland, I liked it. I had my family, friends, and a decent job – what more could I ask for. During my early adult years, Cleveland was an okay place with a little night life, a downtown that was not bustling but was still happening and as I said earlier – life was good. The city has gone through many changes and we've had some very low periods but I have learned that there is no place like home. What I also learned was if you expand your view, you will find out there is so much to see and experience in Cleveland. Several years ago a dear friend and I were discussing the route I had taken to her home on the near west side of Cleveland, which she lovingly called – Center City. Rushing, I had taken a route I was unfamiliar with and found some interesting things along my journey. Places I, a native, had never known existed. My friend was a transplant to the city and she suggested I take a “vacation” in my hometown. She further said you'll be surprised what you find when you travel outside of your comfort zone. That philosophy is similar to the approach the folks at Destination Cleveland have taken with locals to engage them in new Cleveland experiences. A study they conducted in 2012 indicated that 34% of Clevelanders were not favorably recommending our city to their friends and family and that these same people were missing out on the great things going on in the city. So the point is, you have to travel beyond your own neighborhood and see what else the area has to offer. Growing up on the eastside, I was lost when it came to traveling across the Cuyahoga River. I had my own preconceived notions about an area I was totally unfamiliar with. The extent of my travels west was the Westside Market. Today you can find me in Tremont, Waterloo, DetroitShoreway and Slavic Village just to name a few of the neighborhoods I have visited recently. The Arts can be 4 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
found in just about all of these neighborhoods along with some of the best restaurants that run the gamut in price range and dining experience. My job with the City of Cleveland has opened my eyes to what the city has to offer, and of late my bicycle has further expanded that vision so I encourage you to check out the cover story, but more importantly, I challenge you to do something new in your hometown. When you make those plans consider adding the Greater Cleveland Aquarium to your itinerary. Located in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse, the Aquarium offers a glimpse at aquatic life from freshwater to salt water. With Cleveland being home to one of the Great Lakes, attention is paid to fish and reptiles found in this region as well as how to be a better steward of these bodies of water. For more information check out the feature story inside and then stop in and see for yourself. The city of Cleveland is also home to the NASA's Glenn research center. Science and engineering being at the heart of the Center's activities and our magazine's focus area, we introduce you to NASA's brilliant computer engineer, Dr. Janette Briones. In addition to her contribution to the enhancement of space communication technologies efficiency and reliability, this phenomenal woman allocates considerable time to instilling a love of science and engineering in young women and girls. We hope you or someone you know gets inspired to pursue STEM education/career after reading the remarkable journey of Dr. Briones. When you venture out on a vacation either at home or away, you may need to stash some cash to make the experience more enjoyable. In each edition, we attempt to offer some tips on financial literacy, and this issue is no different. This month our focus is financial literacy and relationships as well as financial literacy and real estate. When we fall madly in love and decide to share our lives with another person, we are so caught up in the happiness and joy that we don't think pragmatically about what will happen if this relationship doesn't last? While we don't want to encourage anyone to end a relationship, we do want to make sure that you are aware of all of the nuances associated with your financial future in the event forever turns into 10 years. Check out Marsha Eastwood's column for more tips. Eastwood also offers advice on the purchase of real estate, both for a home to reside in and for investment income. If you are thinking about making a purchase, I encourage you to review her column so as not to find yourself in a hole with no life jacket. Finally, we introduce you to Dr. E (nee' Elaine Richardson), the singing, rapping and praying professor from The Ohio State University. Dr. E. has a new album that traverses her life and offers hope to all who listen. Her life has been one filled with challenges, but the best part is she overcame those problems and has a story to tell. Thank you for spending a portion of your day with me, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
phenomenal
on the
COVER
CONTENTS
18 DESTINATION CLEVELAND 8
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Financial Literacy and The Real Estate Game -Marsha Walker Eastwood-
16
Catch the attraction!
Dr. JANETTE BRIONES, Engineer at NASA
Delicious Recipes
12
26
MOVIE REVIEWS
30 www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 5
7 Ways to Help Hurricane Victims (Family Features) Natural disasters come in multiple forms and can quickly devastate many lives in a matter of moments. While they all can cause nightmares for those affected, few are as powerful and destructive as hurricanes. That's why, when hurricanes make landfall and wreak havoc, help is immediately needed and accepted by the people and communities impacted the most. Here are a few ways you can make a positive impact for those affected by natural disasters, specifically hurricanes: Start a Fundraiser150 One of the most potentially impactful ways to lend a hand after a natural disaster is to start a community fundraiser. This can be as simple as an online account accepting donations for a group of people and sending a large sum to a relief organization, or as thought-out as a large-scale event, like a raffle or dinner, accepting donations for entry. Donate Money is typically the resource relief organizations can use the most during natural disasters, and it can also be the easiest way for people to lend aid. There are typically many trustworthy organizations available to donate to during times of need. Promote Fundraising Efforts After you've made a donation yourself, spread the word to others whether it's via word of mouth, social media or other forms of communication. Let friends and family know how they can join the cause. Volunteer While it isn't viable for everyone, some people closer to the affected region can directly help those in need with 6 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
physical help at the place it's most needed. Whether it's passing out supplies, serving food to those displaced or other means of lending a hand, volunteers are a valuable resource following natural disasters. Provide Shelter Another option for people looking to help who are closer to the devastation is to offer shelter, especially if they have family members or friends who have been affected. Assisting at places sheltering the displaced is another way to provide help, if offering space in your home is not an option. Give Blood Injuries can be unavoidable when hurricanes and other disasters strike. One way to help those hospitalized or otherwise injured is to donate blood, possibly saving lives in the process. Stay Persistent In the immediate aftermath of storms and natural disasters, the news cycle is dominated by stories of triumph and despair, and by ways people can help. However, the storm is eventually overshadowed by other, more recent news. One major way people can help after a hurricane is by continuing their support long after the storm has passed, as those affected will need assistance, supplies and donations for much longer than just a couple of weeks after the incident. As time passes, it can be helpful to continue donating money and supplies, committing to helping physically rebuild structures and promoting fundraising efforts. Find more ways to help those in need at eLivingToday.com.
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 7
FINANCE
Financial Literacy and The Real Estate Game as this can help create your financial strategy including a timetable. Let's address the issue of need first. At all stages of life, shelter of some sort is a priority, the size, and condition of which are predicated upon affordability. Suppose you have settled into a comfortable three-bedroom house or apartment with a rent of $750.00 and you received a notice informing you that there will be a 30% increase at the end of your lease in 90 days. You know with certainty that your income will not increase exponentially, so you begin to consider purchasing a home. You consult a real-estate agent for guidance and discover that you can purchase a lot more house for a lot less money. You begin looking for your dream home right away.
By Marsha Walker Eastwood, BS.Ed., MSHSV PWM Contributing Writer
T
he road to homeownership for women in the US was anything but smooth. Paved with the uneven stones of sexism, it wasn't until 1844 when Maine removed all the limitations of property ownership for women by passing legislation granting women a separate economy. This separate economy allowed women to not only buy property in their own name, but to fully control the sale and/or disposition of the property as if she were single, without the consent of her husband. The legislation also exempted the property from lien or sale to satisfy any debts incurred by her husband. It would take nearly five decades for the legislation to be enacted across the entire US. The ability to purchase property was just the first step. The next and equally important piece of legislation was the expansion of the Separate Economy Act to include The Married Women's Property Act which allowed women to control their own incomes, the same as a single woman. These two acts gave women the power to control their incomes and determine, without the influence or consent of a man, how much or how little property they wanted, however, a multitude of financial hurdles remained. Prior to 1974 women in the US could not purchase property unless she had the purchase price in cash or a man to be a co-signer. With the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in 1974 women were then able to apply for credit in their own names, including mortgages. This Act cleared a major hurdle in property acquisition. With legislated financial power, how does the woman of today actually become a player in the real estate game? The first step is taking a serious look at need versus want 8 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
You discover that through a first home buyer program, and based on your credit score and income, you need just $3,000.00 as a good faith down payment, to purchase a house that is twice the size of your current accommodations for $50,000. The deal includes a 30-year mortgage at a 3.25% fixed interest rate, property taxes (at the current valuation), and insurance are included and your monthly payment will be $352.00. You find just the right house; the seller readily accepts your offer and the dream of owning your own home now appears to be a reality. The last item on the agenda is the home inspection and the house passes. A quick calculation reveals that the mortgage payments and your utilities add up to just a little more than half of your rental payment. All that stands between you and your new home is the closing. While you wait for the closing date, you begin to wonder if in haste you overlooked anything. What you over looked was scheduling a meeting with a financial advisor, and a good CFP (Certified Financial Planner) will tell you something you may not want to hear but need to pay close attention to. The purchase of your dream house is the purchase of a liability because the mortgage is not the only thing coming out of your new household budget. The house is not making any money for you, and it belongs to the bank that allows you to live in it as long as the terms and conditions you agreed to are met. The house is also a hand in your pocket that will constantly ask for candy money in the form of repairs and replacements. There will also be a certain amount of depreciation based on county assessments and the values of surrounding and comparable properties. While this may sound like doom and gloom, and put a damper on your enthusiasm, a better way to look at it is making a very important decision and having all the facts at hand. It doesn't mean your dream is dashed, but it does give insight into how you can avoid going under water.
FINANCE At this point you may begin to think of ways to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible, no matter what the sacrifice. So, let's do some quick math. Suppose there is a 2% change in the tax valuation, and the mortgage payment goes down, you can do one of three things. You can leverage the difference and put that money in an interest-bearing savings account with the idea of investing it. Your advisor will be able to tell you at what point you can safely make that move and how. You can also put the money in a short-term savings account and use it to make one additional payment a year, or you can add the difference to an interest-bearing savings account which can be used as an emergency fund. Remember there are a variety of events that can cause a slight appreciation from time to time. Putting the difference aside for future investment makes your money work for you. Making extra payments makes your money work for the bank.
With your list in hand, you are now ready to sit down with your financial planner. They will discuss with you all the additional items that can impact your margins which include but are not limited to possible HOA fees, landscaping, security and vetting potential tenants. Your planner can also recommend a professional estate planner as well as an attorney. The purchase of investment real estate is a weighty decision. Distressed properties come with a myriad of issues, the most important being addressing any current code violations and tax issues. More expensive properties require a larger down payment and a higher monthly mortgage, and as always it is about location, location, location. Safety, access to shopping areas and marketplaces, schools, highways and event venues all contribute to a successful and profitable investment experience.
The scenario changes significantly if you are considering purchasing investment real estate, and for many women residential property is the number one type. There are several things to be considered, so a checklist is mandatory to prevent significant losses. You will also need the checklist when you meet with your financial planner. The first thing on the list is a period of long and deep introspection. How much time do you have to devote to your project? Buying residential real estate is like taking on a second job with irregular hours. After all toilets can start to leak at any time of the day or night and the same is true with a broken window, a broken faucet, or even a stopped-up drain. If you aren't handy with screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers and saws, hiring someone to do the small jobs can cut into your profits. So be honest about your limitations. The second and equally important thing on your checklist is revisiting your debt profile. If you are new to investing, your financial planner will need this information so that he or she can advise you if this is the right investment at this time. Remember the quickest way to go under is to get in over your head. Next, making a down payment on investment property is far different than making one for your home. You will need at least 20% down because mortgage insurance is not available, and because your goal is a return on your investment, explore the investment lending rate extensively as they are significantly higher than purchasing a house to live in.
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 9
FINANCE
By: Marsha Walker Eastwood, BS.Ed, MSHSVC PWM Contributing Writer Remember that old saying, "What you don't know can't hurt you?" When it comes to financial literacy, everything you don't know can hurt you, and in ways you never imagined.
Š Peshkova | Dreamstime
Financial Literacy and Breaking Up - Protecting Your Assets
On the occasions when I wear my marriage officiant hat I always ask the couple about their vows. The non-traditionalist will often say, "Just do what you always do". What I always do, or say as it were, is, "until the relationship ends". because eventually they all do and a vast majority of the time death is not a factor. As I stand in front of them and their loved ones the financial literacy coach in me is always thinking about what kind of asset protection planning the couple has done before taking those vows. Boredom, maturity, conflicting agendas, and an overall dissatisfaction with a partner can spell the death knell for a marriage or the diverse types of domestic partnerships, and once the differences become irreconcilable, divorce or termination of the domestic relationship is unavoidable. That brings up the uncomfortable topic of division of assets. The failure to plan for just in case can spell financial disaster when the worst case scenario becomes a reality. But how do you protect these assets when the inevitable happens? Death, taxes and the end of marriages and in many cases long-term relationships are all part of the life cycle, and a good reason for women to be pragmatic when it comes to asset distribution. The assets that you own prior to the marriage or the domestic partnership remain your property and are not included in the distribution process. Assets acquired during the marriage or domestic partnership are a different story. What is considered a marital or relationship asset? Who owns what property in a marriage or recognized and documented long-term relationship (public knowledge that the relationship exists and that the couple is sharing a home) after divorce, a break-up, or after a spouse's death depends on whether the couple lives in a common law property state or a community property state. During marriage or the relationship these classifications may seem trivial, but in the event of divorce, break-up or death, these little things become very important big things and the picture is not as black and white as some women think. Traditionally women want the big ticket items- the house, a car, and the furnishings to keep life pretty much the same as they knew before the marriage or relationship ended. This is especially true if there are minor children or the woman is older. The problem that can....and will arise comes when the home (which may not even have a mortgage) has all the costs associated with ownership taxes, insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and any needed costs 10 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
for repair and upkeep - suddenly coming out of what may be an income that wasn't nearly sufficient to cover those costs along with food, clothing, personal care and so forth. These issues in many ways are a small part of dividing assets. An equal division of marital assets may have to include selling the home, then dividing the proceeds along with any financial assets such as savings, investments and retirement accounts. Each state has its own rules as to the division of marital property, but don't assume the rules will provide protection. An important lesson in financial literacy is to be a participant in your financial life such as paying the monthly bills, discussing what repairs are needed to the home, and all the costs of keeping up the home. Understand that if the home has to be sold that may be better now than later when repairs are needed, taxes are unpaid, or your circumstances force a sale at a price that is unfairly low. Being informed will keep you from becoming an unwitting victim. Always have a clear picture of those financial assets such as checking, savings, investments and retirement accounts. Read the statements and ask questions about anything you don't understand. Remember knowledge is power and a key part of any settlement. This knowledge can and WILL be your financial survival plan. Sometimes navigating the waters of marital asset distribution can be frustrating, but not nearly as much as the distribution of assets acquired during a domestic partnership. In the dissolution of a domestic partnership, the assets that were jointly acquired during the relationship are divided according to the amount of financial interest each partner invested at the time the asset was purchased. This means each partner will only get back their initial investment. A properly executed cohabitation agreement which is similar to a postnuptial agreement can go a long way towards making the dissolution of the relationship a lot easier with respect to division of assets.
The absolute necessity of keeping your money separate is first on the list. That includes anything from bingo winnings (as long as the cards were purchased with your money and not marital money), non-marital monetary gifts from family and friends, and inheritances fall into this category and belong in a personal, not joint bank accountthe same one you used before marriage. If you owned property prior to the marriage, keep it in your name only. If you add your spouse's name to the deed it instantly becomes marital property and your once personal property is now an asset to be divided during a divorce.
Now that you have gained some insight into how things are divided, what can you do to protect yourself before and during the relationship. The first and most obvious one is to protect pre-marital assets by keeping them separate from any and all assets acquired during the marriage, a difficult thing for many women to do. A good example of this would be a family home passed down, deeded to, and lived in by the woman prior to the marriage. A prenuptial agreement ensures that the property will always remain in your control and passed down to your designated immediate and extended family members. It cannot be used as security for loans or placed in financial jeopardy by anyone other than you. It is also the first step in estate planning. Prenuptial agreements are especially important if there are children from a previous marriage or relationship as it ensures that those children will receive the property instead of the surviving spouse. This is also an excellent method of setting goals and the time to sit down with a Financial Planner who can explain in detail the benefits of early estate planning.
If you owned property prior to the marriage, you used your own personal funds to maintain it. This practice needs to continue after the marriage as well. Any marital funds used to maintain it will force a court to determine how much of what money was used for the upkeep of the property. If you pay into a pension plan, make sure to get the most up to date statement prior to the marriage. Last, but certainly not least, if you own a business get a valuation done immediately prior to the marriage. This is the beginning of the documentation of any appreciation in value. The best way to protect the appreciation, however, is through a prenuptial agreement.
Postnuptial agreements are the least favorable method of asset protection for many reasons. In addition to threshold requirements, the agreement is not universally accepted by all states and are subject to closer examination to determine the true purpose of the agreement.
Suffice it to say financial literacy is an ongoing educational process, however, after becoming familiar with the basics, you will quickly realize that knowledge really is powerpower to protect your assets and your financial future.
In addition to the legal documentation, remember the most realistic and practical ways for women to protect assets include:
phenomenal
™
W WOMAN M
A
G
A
To advertise call, 216.702.0845
Z
I
N
E
Inspiring women to reach their highest potential !!! www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 11
WOMEN IN STEM
Dr. Janette Briones, Engineer at NASA mentoring tomorrow's STEM leaders Dr. Janette C. Briones is a computer engineer working in the Information and Signal Processing Branch of the NASA Glenn Research Center, and while she loves her job she is passionate about the need for more women in her field and is actively involved in working to make this a reality. Phenomenal Woman Magazine recently caught up with Dr. Briones to delve into her path to success and learn more about her vision for inspiring young women and girls to pursue STEM education and careers. As a little girl growing up, Briones was always interested in space and wanted to be an astronaut. To fulfill her dreams, she figured out that she had to attend a college with an engineering program. Her strong dedication coupled with hard work soon paid off as she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Computer Engineering from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She is proud of her achievement, but notes that the journey was not smooth. She was sometimes intimidated by engineering classes, thinking they are either too difficult or too male dominated. So how did this young lady succeed in overcoming these challenges and become an exemplary role model and mentor to young women and girls? In her own words, 12 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
Briones attributes her success to “hard work, dedication, self-belief and securing good mentors.” Briones appreciates the many positive effects of mentoring and says “I have always had the mindset that you should always have a mentor in your life, to guide and encourage you to set goals and do unusual and innovative things.” She largely credits her first mentor Dr. Patricia Nava from UTEP, the only female professor in the University's Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. Owing a debt of gratitude; she said “Dr. Nava was a real inspiration to me. She helped me to overcome my concerns and guided me on the right path. Moreover, she enabled me to get a research position in her lab in the area of intelligent systems, an area that I later became passionate about.” Following the successful completion of her Master's degree, Briones pursued further studies and enrolled in a Ph.D. program at UTEP. After her first year as a doctoral student, she went to the University's career fair and submitted a resume for a summer internship with NASA. Her excellent academic performance coupled with a deep interest for space science, turned out to be a great fit for landing her a two-year formal training/development program with NASA.
Three months into her internship, she secured a full-time permanent position at NASA's Glenn Research Center in the area of Communications. These opportunities didn't deter Briones from pursuing her studies to obtain a Ph.D. She went back to UTEP for one year to finish her course work and returned to NASA with just the dissertation to complete. After years of hard work and putting in extraordinary efforts, Briones received her Ph.D. with honors in the area of Computer Engineering from UTEP. Today, Briones serves as a computer engineer in the Information and Signal Processing Branch at the prestigious NASA Glenn Research Center. In this capacity, she undertakes a multitude of responsibilities chief of which include: ·
· ·
·
Principal Investigator for the Space Communications and Navigation Program(SCaN) Cognitive Communications Project Subject matter expert in cognitive systems supporting the SCaN Program Principal Investigator for the SCaN's Space Telecommunications Radio System (STRS) project Contribute to the Development of the NASA Architecture Standard and to the creation of the STRS Repository which enables universities, industry and other NASA missions to reuse various software components.
When Briones started working at NASA, she joined the NASA’s Mentoring Program and was assigned Dr. Tony Strazisar as her mentor. She is thankful for his support and stated that he “advised me to be decisive when it came to making decisions and was able to empower, encourage, and motivate me to challenge myself to deliver at higher levels.” To this phenomenal woman, life as an engineer, mother and wife has been challenging but fun at the same time. She said “learning how to manage my time better as a professional and as a mother of three boys has been one of my challenges.” conceding that “a career with NASA can be exciting, creative, and important, but it can also be demanding so managing my time to meet all my responsibilities at work is the key.” When not at work, Briones spends quality time with her family, whether cheering at soccer games or attending special soccer tournament invitations in other countries. These occasions have provided some time to share her kids' passion for soccer and pursuing their dream of becoming professional soccer players. While the achievements of Briones speak for themselves, the underrepresentation of women in STEM careers particularly in engineering continues to be a concern for her. She admits that much work needs to be done particularly by creating school and job environments that allow young women and girls to be comfortable and confident with STEM education and careers. More specifically, Briones stated “Having female role models or
NASA’s Dr. Janette Briones
mentors, introducing STEM fields in high school or even requiring shadowing someone for a week will give the right idea and information about STEM workplaces.” Briones practices what she preaches and continues to play an exemplary role in nurturing students and instill in them a love for science and engineering. As a testament to her desire to advance STEM education, she mentors high school students and several summer interns at the NASA Glenn Research Center, regularly participates in the NASA Glenn Young Astronaut Day (a STEM outreach event for students in grades 1-12) and delivers lectures at Alicia C. Academy, a dual language school (grades 1-8), to talk about engineering and science careers. She is appreciative of what the Alicia C. Academy offers and recommends it to be a model for many parts of the country, explaining “the Academy implements STEM component to middle school elective courses. Students with exceptional math and science scores are selected to take Design and Modeling (6th and 8th grade) and Automation and Robotics (6th and 7th grade) courses. It also provides opportunities for students to learn to appreciate and respect other cultures and languages of all ethnic groups.” Continued on next page...
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 13
WOMEN IN STEM Briones has made a presentation at NASA's 2017 Evening with the Stars Program under the theme 'NASA Glenn Shaping the World of Tomorrow.' She also took the initiative in leading the action to host the first Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' Cognitive Communications for Aerospace Applications Workshop. She served as NASA GRC's Hispanic Advisory Council CoChair, where she was able to participate, speak, and mentor students at various events, such as the Hispanic Heritage observance event, Hispanic Brown Bag events for summer interns, Viva Technology, Robotic competition at Ohio State, and Fiesta of Hope. Briones continues her research in the areas of 'cognitive systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.' She is excited to see the recent developments of Cognitive Technologies for the next generation architecture of future cognitive communications systems. These technologies, she underscored “are envisioned to make NASA's communication networks more efficient and resilient for new missions exploring the depths of space.” When asked what advice she would offer to the next generation of young women who are thinking of joining STEM fields, she says “love what you do, select a path where you will not only excel, but which you'll be passionate about and have a female role model or mentor
14 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
that can help you navigate and ultimately overcome any concerns and guide you on the right path!” Careers teach us great lessons and she encourages young people to “make decisions even if you make mistakes.” Adding “you will learn from the mistakes leading the way to do true creativity and innovation. Also, achieving your goals can take time, but if you work hard and keep your mind focused on your goals, you can make them happen.” Briones concedes that the future is full of challenges and there is always a need for special talents to help meet those challenges head on! She recommended “having Phenomenal Woman Magazine to showcase women in STEM fields, creating and enhancing important STEM organizations, casting more women in STEM roles on television shows; would have a big impact in getting more women and girls to join STEM education and careers.” Briones has immensely benefited from her mentors who smoothly passed the baton to her. Eventually, she will be evaluated by how smoothly she delivers the baton to the next generation. Nonetheless, one thing is clear, she has progressed well in the race of making a difference as a role model, the indication being that she is prepared to deliver great results in the near future, building on those already accomplished!
Women in Transition Program at Tri-C, changing lives FREE 8-week non-credit course in:
The Women in Transition Program at Cuyahoga Community College is entering its 40th year of providing information, support and referrals to women who are in a transitional time in their lives.
Personal Development: Designed to help examine individual resources, values, and goals to help build a better future. Concentration is placed on becoming more self-directed, self-motivated, self-confident, and to broaden your communication skills
Tri-C believe that it is through higher education and/or retraining, that possibilities are endless. The non-credit eight-week session is designed to take participants through a period of transformation and empower them to move forward in their lives through education and training. The curriculum is based on Personal Development, Career Exploration, Computer Class, and Workshops. This helps women develop confidence, build self-esteem, identify marketable skills, explore interests, research options for careers and job training, and examine Tri-C educational and workforce options. The program is facilitated on 4 Tri-C Campuses throughout the year. Classes are subject to a slightly fast-tracked format.
Career Exploration: Explore your interests, skills, and attitudes. What career would match your personality? What are the "hot careers" and what can I expect to earn? What classes or degree do I need to have to become marketable in the work field? Includes various academic planning activities Workshop Topics: Learn to build on your selfesteem and assertiveness. You will explore health issues, safety concerns, job readiness, time management, and tools to deal with life's changes
8-Week Fall Classes Begin the Week of October 23, 2017
Computer Introduction: Entry-level computer training class where you will learn proper website search, the etiquette of email, and exploration of the Tri-C information systems. Tap into resume' sequences and much more
Call your nearest Women in Transition Campus TODAY to start the registration process! Eastern Campus: 216-987-2272, Metropolitan Campus: 216-987-4974, Western Campus: 216-987-5091, Westshore@Corporate College West: 216-987-5764
Other Services Available with the Women in Transition Program: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
It is the vision of the Women in Transition Program to be the premier college and community program focused on the growth and development of women throughout Northeast Ohio.
Ÿ
Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Ÿ
Women in various stages of transition in their lives i.e. returning to work force, unemployed, divorced, widowed, seeking career change or just feeling “stuck” Ÿ
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Individual intake appointment completed and eligibility determined prior to start of class
Help with assessing financial aid resources GED information Workshops to define and strengthen your life management skills Information, resources and referrals to appropriate Cuyahoga Community College programs / services as well as other appropriate external resources and agencies Pre-employment skills including resume writing, cover letters, interviewing and presentation skills Help on improving your nutritional well being Improve your status with financial literacy A network of academic contacts and new friends
Ÿ
Registration is required for enrollment
phenomenal
phenomenal
™ ™
W WOMAN M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
phenomenal
™
™
W WOMAN
E
M
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2017
A
G
A
Z
I
N
W WOMAN
E
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
Dr. KATHLEEN BUSE EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH
STEM
Dr. Talisa Dixon PROPELLING MORE STUDENTS INTO COLLEGES AND CAREERS SEPT-OCT 2016
NOV-DEC 2016
GIVE FROM THE HEART Dr. HELEN MUGA Engineer/Entrepreneur
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
LaSHAWN REED-KENDRICKS Women Business Advocate
FREE
Magda Gómez ADVANCING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT Tri-C
FREE
Ÿ
If you are interested in supporting this program, please contact the Tri-C Foundation at 216-987-4868.
With an Eye on The Budget
COUSINS HARDY & JACKSON
“THIS LIGHT OF OURS”
Tri-C’s WIT PROGRAM
STEPHANIE MORRIS NUNN
CHOOSE OHIO FIRST
Are Keeping it All in The Family
Exhibit Looks at The Civil Rights Movement
Training Women Seeking a Fresh Start
Creating Beauty One Stitch at a Time
Helping to Develop Our Future Innovators
Advertise with us: email to: ads@phenomenalwoman.me www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 15
Greater Cleveland Aquarium offers aquatic life from near and far By Kimberly Smith Woodford PWM Contributing Writer
H
ave you ever wondered what life forms exist in the waters of our local gem, Lake Erie? Or how it feels to touch a stingray? At the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, you can immerse yourself in learning about plant and aquatic life that exists in freshwater lakes and rivers as well as in the salt waters of the Pacific and coastal regions. Located in the iconic Power House building in the Flats, the Aquarium attracts national and international visitors to the fifty plus exhibits and 1,450 aquatic animals including the fan favorite - Stingrays. Aquarium visitor Hendri Hopkins says he brought his daughter Armani to the aquarium as a nice way to spend an afternoon. The colorful and amazing animals captivated the five-year-old who said she liked the stingrays best. The Aquarium opened its doors in 2012 after a New Zealand based development group, Marinescape NZ Ltd, refurbished the red brick building that once served as the FirstEnergy Powerhouse, Cleveland's first power plant dedicated to providing electricity to the city's streetcars and railways from 1892 thru the 1920s when automobiles became more popular. The family-friendly space charms individuals and families looking for a fun and engaging experience. Shaunte and her mother Novella Rogers drove in from Youngstown to celebrate what would have been Novella's 30th wedding anniversary. Novella shared that she and her daughter came to the aquarium for an uplifting experience that would honor her late husband. Other visitors like the Reed family traveled in from Evansville, Indiana and were all 16 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
smiles to visit their daughter/sister and to give her a welcome break from what they described as a rigorously intense pain management therapy program at a nearby hospital. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has eight galleries featuring two hundred and fifty different animal species from the waters of Australia, Asia, Red Sea, Indonesia, Fiji, Hawaii and of course species living in our Great Lakes region. The Lakes and Rivers of the World gallery features indigenous animals from Australia, Asia, South America and Africa including the interactive African Tortoise exhibit. The prehistoric looking reptiles were rescued from Noah's Lost Ark (NLA), an Ohio animal sanctuary. The tortoises were donated or rescued because of abuse, neglect and/or inability to care for them. In their new home at the aquarium, guests can touch and learn more about them. A definite must-see is Toby, the giant Gourami a fan favorite for taking selfies. For a more hands-on experience, there is the invertebrate touch pool where guests can put their hands in the water to feel the texture of snails, sea stars and sea urchins which have the feel of a hard brush bristle. The Exploration Station is where visitors can watch educational videos and partake in hands-on activities, as well as pollution and conservation awareness exhibit. For the more adventurous, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium offers unique opportunities to paint with stingrays, dive with sharks, feed the fish and even sleep overnight with the fish. For information on upcoming special events, admission, feeding times and hours of operation, head over to their website, www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com, or call 216-8628803/toll free: 855-602-3040.
Armani and her dad and the Reed Family enjoying family time at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Armani and dad
Reed family
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 17
DESTINATION CLEVELAND
(L to R) Colette Jones, Vice President of Marketing and Leslie Graf, Vice President of Finance & Administration
DESTINATION CLEVELAND and the Women Helping to Shape Cleveland's Image By Shelley Shockley PWM Managing Editor
Cleveland which led the city into default at a time when the deindustrialization of the region was beginning.
t is often said that behind every successful man is a strong woman but David Gilbert, president and chief executive officer of Destination Cleveland, the convention and visitors bureau (CVB) of Cuyahoga County has the fortune of four leading ladies to support his efforts in rewriting the vision of this region.
With the loss of industrial jobs in the steel mills and automobile factories, Cleveland became a part of the Rustbelt and that downturn resulted in a negative national and local reputation.
I
The women shaping the vision of Cleveland are Hannah Belsito, Vice President of Destination Development & Community Affairs; Colette Jones, Vice President of Marketing; Leslie Graf, Vice President of Finance & Administration and Jennifer Valencic, Director of Partnerships. The role of the CVB is to promote Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region to increase the number of visitors and promote the development and marketing of the area by focusing on convention sales, tourism marketing, and services. Historically that has been a lofty task in Cleveland, a city fraught with esteem issues dating back to the burning Cuyahoga River in 1969 followed by the battle between former Mayor Dennis Kucinich and corporate 18 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
An effort by a local newspaper, The Plain Dealer, to rejuvenate the city's image in 1981 led to the “Cleveland's a Plum” campaign and aside from bumper stickers and a few mentions by the city leadership, the label soured with the masses. During this time the city was feeling a little better about itself, which was demonstrated by national recognition as an “All America City” by the National Civic League for three years consecutively beginning in 1982. The past, however was the feeling held in the eyes of outsiders. Over the years there were other monikers, but never a true rebranding of the area which left the city and region wallowing in mediocrity. Over the next two decades, the city's image picked up a bit, but never gained much steam as the area remained depressed.
(L to R) Jennifer Valencic, Director of Partnerships and Hannah Belsito, Vice President of Destination Development & Community Affairs. Major league sports teams in the 1990's helped to boost the city's image slightly. But the real transition combining local and regional growth kicked in during the early 2000's and the pendulum has been swinging on the positive side since that time. In 2007, the CVB was given a little “punch” when the name was changed to Positively Cleveland. With “positive” in your name things have to shift up, and over the next seven years that is exactly what happened. Fresh ideas and a winning personality began to shape the view of Cleveland. As the Convention and Visitor's Bureau was remaking itself they also hired Leslie Graf, Vice President of Finance and Administration. Graf brought with her years of experience in public accounting with Deloitte and Cohen & Company. She says that during the latter part of her career in the accounting world, she worked with non-profit organizations and one of the non-profits she audited was Positively Cleveland. This experience she said, “is how I learned to understand travel and tourism and the nuances within the industry.” Hannah Belsito, a Youngstown native, came to Cleveland to study communications and public relations at John Carroll University. After graduation, she took a job with Associated Estates Realty, located in Richmond Heights, yet chose to live in Cleveland's Warehouse District during the early days of its revitalization. Belsito said she fell in love with Cleveland and during her free time, she
promoted the area and the city as part of her volunteer civic duties. Belsito's career shifted from corporate real estate sales to leadership development with the Cleveland Foundation, Cleveland Leadership Center and later Cleveland Bridge Builders while at the same time she studied for and received her Master's in Urban Planning, Design and Development. She says she wasn't sure what was next for her because she felt she had a hodgepodge of experience and couldn't quite visualize how she would package all of this into the perfect job. So when she took the job with Destination Cleveland, it was not an interest in tourism, but more the opportunity to work for David Gilbert, a strong leader. She said, “When I sat down with him [Gilbert] he had just taken over and was describing his vision which was to better connect the organization to the community and make the experience better for visitors when they were here.” The person he was looking for would have many of the skills that Belsito brought to the table – urban planning, public relations and community engagement. One of the things Gilbert was also looking for was someone to brand Cleveland. Belsito immediately thought of Colette Jones who she met at Bridge Builders. “When we were at Bridge Builders, Colette kept saying she wanted to create a brand for Cleveland so I reached out to her.” Continued on next page... www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 19
DESTINATION CLEVELAND
Jones is a native Clevelander but had left years ago and worked in Chicago for a number of years. She started her career in education, but soon found that was not the path for her and went back to school to study business and marketing. With an MBA in Marketing, she worked in consumer packaged goods for Wrigley and ConAgra Foods but yearned to create a brand for her hometown. She said, “I would come home and see that a lot of the same amenities were in Cleveland that were in Chicago, but for a third of the cost. Cleveland also had this issue with its reputation. I knew this from living in another city. Always had that mistake on the lake moniker and having lived in other cities and grown up here, I knew the city didn't deserve that.” Jones said that when she learned the classical way to create a brand, she thought it was a great framework to look at from a project development standpoint. So her love of marketing and her love of her hometown merged together at an opportune time. The newest member of this group is Jennifer Valencic, also a native Clevelander and a woman who came to travel and tourism without a background in the industry. When she graduated with a degree in journalism/ communication, there were not a lot of jobs in her field and a friend suggested she look into the non-profit world, which led her to Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland. During her tenure at Junior Achievement, Valencic recruited volunteers and worked on development with the corporate community. This experience and her work as a teenager in local country clubs prepared her when the position at Destination Cleveland opened up. She explained, “A position opened up that was specifically leveraging more community support in the corporate world,” this description she said mirrored what she saw as her next position. 20 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
Jones led the team that recreated Cleveland's brand, and for that effort to be effective, all of the women continue to play a role in leveraging this new vision. In explaining what the city's brand is, Jones explained that her training taught her that a brand is not just a logo and a tagline. Instead, she said, “A brand is really the stories that people tell about a person, a product or thing.” Understanding that theory, she said Cleveland has always had a brand, but that story was one of recession, depression, foreclosure, pollution and the negative list goes on. These stories were rampant before investments were made in the city. In order to rewrite the narrative, it was the job of the team to look at Cleveland and dissect the good about the area and begin telling that story. In short, she said, “We didn't need to balance the story because there was enough negative out there. Instead, we needed to tell the whole story in a more holistic approach.” When creating the new image, the development of a tagline was intentionally omitted because as Jones said forty years of negativity could not be “packaged away.” The group also noted that the resulting brand was visitorcentric and in order to ensure success, the residents would need to play a role and the brand was introduced to residents first. At this point during our conversation, Belsito offered further illumination on the development of the brand noting that while the stories are important, the brand is also “that script mark Cleveland and then a whole local campaign they launched – hashtag “thisiscle.” The key she said to this success was that as an organization they did not package the story, the locals told the story. To tell this story, residents used their photos of what they like about their hometown and shared it via social media with the hashtag and then these images became a part of a larger package of Cleveland.
Belsito said that her role is to go out and talk to community stakeholders and tell them what's new in Cleveland or what message the marketing team is pushing so that everyone can speak about it, but she believes the biggest thing is the engagement of residents in the “thisiscle” campaign. To that end, the organization seeks to widen the view locals have of Cleveland. While they may know about the park in their neighborhood, they've never been to the Rock Hall, League Park or Karamu House so they can't tell that story. To enlist their efforts in this area, programs have been developed to get Clevelanders to “Try Cleveland.” These programs include stakeholders in suburban communities as well as frontline workers in the hospitality industry. These individuals, particularly wait staff, bartenders, and baristas are offered an opportunity to try out new restaurants, volunteer to greet visitors. These efforts are part of the Destination Development initiatives that include Cleveland Ambassadors program and the Cleveland Travel Backers. Valencic's team is working with partners to find out what they are doing and how Destination Cleveland can be of assistance in getting the message out. She said, “We know that 750 companies equal a lot of residents that work for those companies and they sort of serve as our first tier network,” when attempting to get messages out.
Destination Cleveland also conducted a research in 2012 to determine what factors were key when choosing destinations. The research found that the number one factor for choosing destinations was 'research online' followed by 'referrals from someone who has recently visited' and the third factor was 'residents.' She said, the research revealed, “Thirty-four percent of Clevelanders weren't highly recommending” the city. This goes back to the belief that they are not experiencing Cleveland themselves so to plant the seed, they launched a mobile campaign to take Cleveland to the community. With this initiative, the large Cleveland script truck and the “thisiscle” letters are taken to events hosted by partners, and again they are encouraged to take photos and share them. This is also an opportunity to engage and enlighten residents in the region about what's going on in the city. When these ladies are not busy promoting the great things about Cleveland, they have each found that it is important to find “me” time to unwind. Graf is also a yoga instructor and finds joy in unwinding in this manner. Belsito and Valencic are the moms of the group and both cited the importance of a good support system to help neutralize the stress that can be associated with being a working mother. ▲
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 21
7 Ways to Promote Cool-Weather Skin Care
Find more info at: 22 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 23
24 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 25
26 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 27
28 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 29
ENTERTAINMENT
THEHITMAN'S
BODYGUARD By R. Lee Gamble Film Diva www.filmdiva3.com Let me just say right off the bat that Selma Hayek steals this film. Yes I know, the movie stars Samuel Jackson and Ryan Reynolds, but Hayek dominates every scene she is in. The Hitman's Bodyguard is hilarious and of course, it is obvious that teaming up Jackson and Reynolds was a brilliant move. But the best thing this film does is to cast Hayek as Sonia Kincaid, hitman Darius Kincaid's (Jackson) wife. Hayek is absolutely amazing. She is funny, she is tough, and she is a woman you want to see more of throughout the movie. Directed by Patrick Hughes, The Hitman's Bodyguard, is the story of Darius Kincaid a hitman who is turning states evidence against a corrupt world leader. They have arrested Kincaid's wife Sonia and they are using her to force him to testify against Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman). Dukhovich has hired the best hitmen to kill Kincaid in order to prevent this from happening. To keep him safe, Michael Bryce (Reynolds), a failed bodyguard, has been hired by Interpol to get him safely to The Hague Court. The problem is that Bryce hates Kincaid and so the adventure begins. 30 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
Humorous and thrilling, Reynolds and Jackson are great together. Bryce is uptight and anal, while Kincaid's only concern is making sure that his beloved Sonia knows that he loves her and that he is going to get her out of prison. Kincaid is always one step ahead of Bryce and this drives Bryce crazy. He has to fight the urge to kill Kincaid himself. All the while, Kincaid is cool and calm singing his favorite songs and thinking about the day he is back with his Sonia. The scenes of Sonia in the prison cursing everyone out and making her cellmate stand in the corner are hysterical. Sonia is a pistol and you can't wait to see what she will say or do next. However watching Kincaid and Bryce trying to make it to the courthouse is a thrill ride as well. Dukhovich is brutal and he plans on stopping Kincaid no matter the cost. It does not have to be said that Oldman's performance is fabulous. I cannot name a film where Oldman doesn't shine. If you want to laugh until you are crying, check out The Hitman's Bodyguard. It has a lot of twists and turns and a ton of fun. This is the kind of film that you go to the movies to see. Check it out!
LOGAN LUCKY By R. Lee Gamble Film Diva www.filmdiva3.com It's not often to find a comedy that is both smart and funny, but Logan Lucky fits the bill. Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy and Clyde Logan set out to execute an elaborate robbery during the legendary CocaCola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The latest heist film from Steven Soderbergh, Lucky Loganstars Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, Riley Keough, Katie Holmes and Hillary Swank. This all-star cast is brilliant and from the opening scene you know this is going to be a hilarious film. Tatum portrays Jimmy Logan, Driver is Jimmy's brother Clyde and Keough plays their sister Mellie. The Logan's are known in the town for being unlucky. Jimmy could have been an athlete but he suffered an injury that dashed his dreams. Clyde only has one hand. Mellie is stuck caring for her two wayward brothers. According to Clyde the family has always been unlucky and there is nothing they can do to stop it. When Jimmy loses his job and finds out that his ex-wife, portrayed by Holmes, and her new rich husband wants to move his daughter to another state he is determined to raise the money to stop it. After working on a construction job, he comes up with the perfect plan to still the money at the track during the race. In order for the plan to work he needs his brother and sister to help him out with it. But,
that is not all that is required. If the heist is going to succeed he is going to need the best explosive man there is. The only problem is that the guy they need, Joe Bang (Craig), is in prison. This is when the film gets exciting and just plain fun. It was wild to see Craig's portrayal of Bang. After seeing Craig as the dapper and sophisticated James Bond, watching him portray a criminal mastermind/country boy is hilarious. Craig and Driver will have you in stitches as they argue about everything. There is no trace of British accent from Craig and the shock of white hair he sports just adds to the illusion. Tatum also gives a magnificent performance. The scenes between Driver and Tatum are quirky, fresh and funny. I loved watching them and would love to see these two work together again. However, Tatum's best scenes are those with Farrah Mackenzie who plays his daughter Sadie. One of the most touching moments is watching Jimmy teach his daughter about John Denver's song Country Road and why it is so special to him. Mackenzie and Tatum are magic on the screen and you know from the opening scene with her that Jimmy will risk anything to keep his daughter in his life. Logan Lucky is an amazing film that is flying under the radar. Do not miss it!! This is a film that is truly worth seeing! Loved it!!
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 31
ENTERTAINMENT
Amplifying Voices of Ill Repute through “Songs for the Struggle” Dr. Elaine Richardson in her own words...
M
y name is Dr. E (nee' Elaine Richardson). I am a storyteller, songstress, and advocate. I write songs, books, teach, and otherwise perform to change minds about people who have been written off as less-worthy. I was chosen by the Most High to amplify violated voices. I consider myself chosen because by all rights I should be dead. The only thing that makes sense to me is that God let me live and cultivate myself to tell my story. So, in the tradition of Black women artists such as Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone I tell on myself with sass and honesty. On my new album, “Songs for the Struggle,” I give my perspective on what it was like for me to trek in a Black girl body to womanhood in urban economically strapped Cleveland, Ohio, sharing a sonic odyssey with listeners of hard won education from the hood to the halls of academia. On “Mutha Werk,” the first single I released from the album,” my goal was to give context and details of stigmatized women, like me, those who shun the ascribed social roles. I truly want to shine a light on the unsung Black women and girls who joyously struggle through the unpaid yet priceless labor of (single) mothering alongside a prescribed job outside the home or a job of one's own making on the Black market. Often I'm mistaken For granted and forsaken foreal, ah huh Ain't no one above me They hate me and just love me still, I Raise the babies With no maybes, not of man So, don't say I don't work Being a single or poor Black vessel for procreation and mothering carries with it stereotypes of second-class citizenship, irresponsibility, illegitimacy, and/or government (non)entitlement. Measures such as defunding of planned parenthood, lack of affordable health care, substandard (sex) education, and lack of economic resources, and gender inequality have dire consequences and directly affect women's rights to control their reproductive labor and lives. “Mutha werk” is a target of oppression for women and girls and their offspring. In songs such as the “The Whole 9,”“Thirteen,”“Deaky,” and “Welcome,” I touch on experiences with womanizers, pimps, and abusers. Though the topics are heavy, my hope is that listeners will be drawn in by the vulnerability 32 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
and the ultimate voice of authenticity that emerges from the tales and the gritty honest ways that I sing them. I want you to celebrate with me, that everyday something has tried to kill me, physically, spiritually, or emotionally, and that I survived to tell the stories. Reminiscent of the theme of hopeless to hopeful in Lauryn Hill's “Lost Ones,” in “The Whole 9”I recount my experience of selfignorance, which makes me a prime target for a player to manipulate me to a “jagged edge and [get me] out on a ledge,” until I find the strength to recover. In the song “Thirteen” (the national average age of sex trafficked children), I sing of my ensnarement into urban domestic human trafficking with my first love, my seventeen-year-old boyfriend [and his girlfriend, an older woman that worked the streets for him] who introduced me to the street life at age 13. …Who is my friend Who is my enemy Will you treat me right Or take advantage of me Cause I'm 13 And I'm workin these mean streets I want love, I want affection But I don't know I'm lookin in the wrong direction Cause I'm 13….
As aptly expressed in the work of Dr. Monique Morris in her book, Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, poor urban women, and girls of color are not seen as vulnerable victims. Though they may have experienced early childhood trauma (violence, molestation, rape), debilitating conditions, family disruptions (all of which make youth susceptible to sexual exploitation), the social response is a prevailing negative consciousness that blames women and girls for their own victimization. As a group that has been historically oppressed by race, gender, class, and age, violence against poor Black girls has become routine to the point that people have a hard time identifying it. That is why it has been called “hidden in plain sight.”As a result, young urban girls and women who are entangled in domestic human trafficking are not even seen as such. We are simply written off as “child prostitutes” and “ho's” as I chronicled in my memoir Ph.D.(Po H# on Dope) to Ph.D.: How Education Saved My Life. “Addicted to the Whole 9,” “H Story,” “Cool Cool Girl,” and “Testimony” are the album interludes. My goal with the interludes was to offer the listening audience more ways to hear the voice in the songs' stories. For example, in “The Whole 9,” I sing, in general, of going to the bottom of life, but the spoken word “Addicted to the Whole 9”(an excerpt from my one-woman show which is based on my memoir) breaks down the cycle of domestic violence and addiction to drugs and the streets that I experienced with my4thpimp (who was also my child's father): escape, capture, beating, robbery, rape, streets, jail, inability to care for myself and my child, and the repetition of this insane cycle. In “H Story,” I let the audience in on street hooking 101, from a seasoned hooker to me, when I was a 13-year-old turn-out. “Cool Cool Girl” is a Black girlhood steppin rhyme from back in the day that demonstrates the “us” vs. “them,”“girl” vs. “boy” orientation to sex as a game, where those with the most knowledge or power to exploit have the most control, while in the “Testimony” interlude, I sing as a full grown confident woman who survived the degrading gaze that distorted my beauty, intellect and knowledge of self: “If you don't love me, with my nappy hair, if you don't love me cause I'm from the ghetto it's alright cause I got a Ph.D today….” In “Welcome,” I celebrate my freedom. I used to feel like something was wrong with me because I didn't have a husband. After I stopped looking and healed from years of broken promises, shady relationships, and betrayals, I am enjoying the single life. I relish my power and contentment and lay down the qualifications for anyone seeking to holla at your girl: …If you want me to be with you, I gotta feel it I gotta feel your vibe If you want me to be real true You got to respect the intellect Check the foolishness And you'll be Welcome into my queendom
In “Now I Know,” I express how grateful I am that now I know what love is. I have my daughters, my family, my friends, and myself, and especially God. My relationship with myself and the Most High comes first. Maybe I am not meant to be married, and I accept that. I don't care what people say about me. I have to put myself first. I'm worth it. I also express this sentiment of self-love and care in “Pay Attention,” a song that one of my friends says sounds like Phyllis Hyman meets Sharon Jones. Hey, I'll take that any day! To some, I am this outside-of-the-box professor at Ohio State University, who calls herself Dr. E, The Inspirational Soul Queen. I am the woman who writes and performs about being sex trafficked and addicted to drugs and the streets. Some cannot fathom that these life experiences have educational value; but some can. To those who groove to my funk, soul, r&b, and rock-tinged album, “Songs for the Struggle, ”I think they agree, that it is a contribution toward inspiring change in the ways that people see, hear, and treat women and girls of color, including me. Please check out Songs for the Struggle on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6o1HEvnnq5mKJOdors bbuw More info can also be found at: www.giveusfreerecords.com.
www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 33
phenom
mena W WOM ANl
menaNl phenoM A ™ ™
W WO G
A
M
I
Z
A
UGUST
JULY-A
N
M
A
G
A
™ ™
Z
I
JANUARY-FEBR
N
E
UARY 2017
E
2017
y Tiffanle d n Ruapplier Diversnity S er, Eato Manag
Kate rczyk Rayinbteanance Meawnaategerr,
Magda Gómez
M y Wast EORSD Westerlent Plant, N Treatm
ADVANCING DIVERS IT
, GREENal Mutual
Dr. HELEN MUG A Engineer/Entrep reneur
A nsibility, Medic DEBiaR l Respo VP, Soc
Y AND INCLUSION
BLACK HISTOR MONTH CELEBR Y ATION
AT Tri-C
LaSHAWN REE D-KENDRICKS Women Busines s Advocate
phenomenal
™
W WOMAN M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
A Magazine that promotes WOMEN!
phenomenal
phenomenal
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
phenomenal
™
W WOMAN
™
W WOMAN
™
W WOMAN
M
E
A
G
A
Z
I
N
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
E
Dr. KATHLEEN BUSE EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH
MONIQUE WINSTON
STEM
Dr. Talisa Dixon PROPELLING MORE STUDENTS INTO COLLEGES AND CAREERS
CEO of OPTIMA Lender Services: A Testament to following your calling SEPT-OCT 2016
GIVE FROM THE HEART With an Eye on The Budget
JULY-AUGUST 2016 FREE
FREE
FREE
NOV-DEC 2016
COUSINS HARDY & JACKSON
“THIS LIGHT OF OURS”
Are Keeping it All in The Family
Exhibit Looks at The Civil Rights Movement
Tri-C’s WIT PROGRAM
STEPHANIE MORRIS NUNN
CHOOSE OHIO FIRST
Training Women Seeking a Fresh Start
Creating Beauty One Stitch at a Time
Helping to Develop Our Future Innovators
TO ADVERTISE CALL 216.702.0845 34 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
GLORIA WARE
TRACY OLIVER
DR. RUTH A. WASHINGTON
“She's About the Business of Growing Businesses”
Heath Oliver Distinguished Director Award Recipient
Leads KSU’s Efforts in Diverse Faculty and Student Retention
OR EMAIL TO: ADS@PHENOMENALWOMAN.ME
phenomenal
™
W WOMAN M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
Supports National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
SUPPORT THE FIGHT Find out more how you can help visit:
www.nationalbreastcancer.org www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 35
GOING THE DISTANCE
FOR OUR
COMMUNITIES. At Dominion East Ohio, going the distance for our customers means more than just delivering safe, affordable natural gas. It means being a positive force in the communities we serve. Our EnergyShareÂŽ program has raised $6.8 million and helped more than 70,000 people in Ohio alone. These resources, combined with more than 6,300 volunteer hours from our employees, have benefited organizations as diverse as the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.